Desk-mounted computer workstation modules

ABSTRACT

Desk-mounted computer workstation modules are disclosed consisting of 1) a computer monitor support structure that affixes to an existing desk or other floor-supported platform, and 2) an extended work surface that partially surrounds the support structure at the rear and the user at the front of the surface. The support structure module extends beyond the back of the platform to which it is affixed, while providing variable tilt and functional stability for the work surface module through height-adjusting linkage. The work surface provides maximum unbroken work area for users while also providing continuous arm support that reduces user fatigue and injury.

BACKGROUND OF THE INVENTION

Office desks have not yet evolved to accommodate the addition ofcomputer equipment to the modern office suite. Computer monitors andkeyboards have been placed on traditional desks, where they occupy aninordinate amount of space. The typical desk is 30" deep, while themonitor and keyboard are 17" and 8", respectively. On that desk themonitor screen will be located only 13" from the user's eyes and therewill be only 5" of room left for documents. To move the screen so thatit is the recommended 24" away from the user's eyes would require hugedesks that are at least 47" deep.

The traditional desk is also deficient in providing adequate support tothe desk user because the desk is flat. A flat surface in front of theuser presents an edge as a resting place for the hands and arms. Forsome reason drafting boards have always been large and tilted, but desksare smaller and flat.

Prior art has attempted to address certain of the desk user's computerproblems, but success has been limited. Robillard, U.S. Pat. No.4,561,619, Dec. 1985, discloses a wrap-around, non-tilt work surfacewith moveable monitor carrier. This single-purpose, multi-mediaworkstation is not for general office use, however.

Lochridge, U.S. Pat. No. 4,781,126, Nov. 1988, presents a desk-mountedworkspace that contains a tiltable, wrap-around workstation that remainswithin the dimensions of the existing desk. A computer monitor can beaccommodated but it is too close to the user and placed too high in thefield of view.

Williams, U.S. Pat. No. 5,120,117, Jun. 1992, teaches the dangers ofcarpal tunnel syndrome among computer users. His invention supports theuser's hands and lowers the monitor to below the position of thekeyboard. This makes the computer support platform a single-usedevice--unsuitable for other office activities. Because it lack awrap-around feature, Williams only offers support for the user's armsthrough wrist rests.

Hyatt, U.S. Pat. No. 5,072,905, Dec. 1991, discloses an add-onwrap-around user-support device for existing desks. This addresses thearm support issue without addressing the monitor positioning problem.

The present invention addresses the problems of computer monitors thatare too close and too low, and desks that are too small, too flat, andunsupportive of users. A computer monitor support module moves themonitor away from the user and raises it to an ergonomically-soundposition. A work surface module raises the work materials toward theuser's eyes, relieving pressure on the neck. The wrap-around portion ofthe surface supports the user's hands and arms to prevent overuse ofshoulder and arm muscles and tendons.

SUMMARY OF THE INVENTION

The principle objects of the present invention were to provideheight-adjustable support for a computer monitor at a suitable distancefrom the user and an expanded, single-level, unbroken work area. Anadditional object was to make the work surface tiltable so that the workmaterial would be more accessible, thereby requiring less posturaldeviation from the user. It was also intended that the modules foraccomplishing those goals be suitable for retrofitting existing desks,while at the same time being suitable for other platforms or pedestals.These and other objects have been attained in the present inventionthrough the use of a computer monitor support structure and awrap-around work surface. The support structure is basically afour-sided cube. The bottom, horizontal side of the cube rests on anexisting desk and is affixed by mechanical means (clamps or bolts) insuch a way that part of the cube extends beyond the back edge of thedesk itself. The vertical sides of the cube form the support for thecomputer monitor's height-adjustable shelf on the inside, and supportfor the work surface module on the outside. The vertical back of thecube is a solid structural member, while the top and front of the cubeare open to allow for viewing and heat dissipation of the computermonitor. Height adjustment of the monitor shelf is accomplished by theindependent shelf being seated on common shelf pegs fitted into holesappropriately drilled into the inner sides of the support structure.Other methods of supporting the shelf are available and could be equallyeffective.

The work surface module is a large, fiat substitute for the existingdesk top. Its width is similar to the original desk but its depth isgreater. At the rear of the work surface is a cut-out portion thatallows it to fit closely around the monitor support module that isaffixed to the desk. At the front of the work surface is another cut-outportion that allows it to fit around the user, who would be seated atthe desk. The rear portion of the work surface can be manually raisedand attached to the monitor support structure. Because the front portionof the work surface module remains resting on the leading edge of thedesk, tilt is thereby imparted to the work surface. Attachment to thesupport module is by means of slide bolts attached to the top side ofthe work surface and inserted into holes appropriately drilled into thesupport module's outer sides. Degree of tilt is determined by the heightabove desk level of the support holes engaged by the slide bolts. Othermethods of attachment can be equally effective in stabilizing the rearportion of the work surface at various heights above desk level.

By creating an unbroken work surface that extends around the monitorsupport at the rear and around the user at the front, and allowingvarious degrees of tilt to the surface, the present invention allows theworker full use of an extended and raised work area without requiringlong reaches across empty space.

While currently installed versions of this workstation have been made ofwood, other materials suitable for an office environment may be used. Itwould also be possible to use the support structure to raise anddistance the computer monitor without using the tilting work surface, ifthat was desired. Use of the work surface without the support structurewould be possible if another means of tilting and supporting the surfacewere provided.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is a perspective view of the computer monitor support structurealone. A generic computer monitor is indicated but it is not part of thepresent invention.

FIG. 2 is an overhead view of the work surface module alone.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of both modules shown installed on anexisting desk. It illustrates how the work surface module wraps aroundthe computer monitor support module at the rear and wraps around theuser at the front. In this illustration the work surface module is nottilted.

FIG. 4 is a side view of both modules installed on an existing desk. Itillustrates the cantilevering of the monitor support structure at therear of the desk and the extension of the work surface beyond the frontedge of the existing desk. In this illustration the work surface ispartially tilted.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

Referring to FIGS. 1, 3 and 4, numeral 10 indicates the computer monitorsupport module and numeral 12 indicates the height-adjustable monitorsupport shelf inside the module. Outside the support module, numeral 20indicates the height adjustable means of supporting the work surfacemodule.

In FIGS. 2, 3 and 4, numeral 14 indicates the work surface module,numeral 16 indicates the partially surrounded user station at the frontof the work surface module and numeral 17 indicates the partiallysurrounded space for the monitor support module. Numeral 22 indicates ameans of attaching the work surface module to the support structure.

In FIGS. 3 and 4, numeral 18 indicates the existing desk, pedestal, orplatform on which the modules are mounted for use.

I claim:
 1. A work station for mounting on a desk comprisinga supportmodule having a base mounted on a horizontal surface, vertical sidewalls extending at least upwardly from said base, a shelf mountedbetween side walls for supporting a computer monitor and a adjustablework surface mounted on said horizontal surface for extending saidhorizontal surface, said work surface having a cutout on one sideextending at least partially around said module side walls such thatsaid module and said work surface fit together, means for adjustableengagement between the work surface and said module side walls such thatthe angle of the work surface relative to the support surface isvariable.